I’m not religious, but religion does interest me. For Christmas eve, I thought I’d share some relevant photos from my travels. My camera at the time wasn’t great, but I’ve edited the photos as best I can.
The above photos are of the exterior and interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It’s believed to be built upon the site where Jesus was crucified. It isn’t the original church, which was destroyed in the 11th century; it was reconstructed and has since been added onto.
This is the Altar of the Nativity at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It’s believed to be the spot where Jesus was born. I say “believed to be” because pinpointing the exact spot of something that happened two millennia ago seems iffy.
This is believed to be the spot where Jesus was placed in the manger.
This the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, also in Bethlehem. According to Wikipedia, “Christian tradition says is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee to Egypt. The name is derived from the story that a ‘drop of milk’ of the Virgin Mary fell on the floor of the cave and changed its colour to white.”
Moving back in historical significance, this is the burning bush (as in God and Moses) at Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai. From there, it’s 3750 steps up to the top of Mount Sinai.
Moving to a different part of the world, this is the ceiling of the Chiesa del Gesu (Church of Jesus) in Rome. Italy is packed with gorgeous churches, so it’s rather hard to keep track of them all. Luckily, the combination of photos having the date and time recorded and my meticulous travel journal, I can usually figure out where photos came from.
Well, that’s all for this biblical-themed travel meander. Merry Christmas!
Happy Merry to you 💜
Same to you!
Stunning photos, you seem to have seen so much of the world. Do you have a favourite?
I love visiting Cathedrals and Castles.
I don’t have a favourite place I’ve been, but I do love castles and churches/mosques/temples/etc., as well as old ruins.
Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas!
Happy happy Christmas to you! 😍
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Wow, that’s amazing! I had no idea there were religious places like that that could be visited!! 😮 Wow, you learn something new every day! To be where Jesus was would rock!! I’d love to visit the Sermon on the Mount location as well, if anyone knows where it was!! Merry Christmas!! YAY!!
Wikipedia said the location for that isn’t entirely clear, but the current guess is the Mount of Beatitudes in northern Israel
Awesome!! Wow, thanks for looking it up for me! I’d give anything to go back in time to it, ya know, but going there now would be amazing too!!
I enjoyed your photographs! Merry Christmas Eve! 🙂
Thanks! Merry Christmas Eve!
Pretty scenes and important historically if spiritually ❤️💕
Yes, indeed! 💖
Thank you Ashley Leia. Merry Christmas 🎄🙏♥
Thank you! Merry Christmas! 💖
Thanks for sharing these photos and your travels, Ashley! Have a good holiday.
Shira
Thank you!
🙂
I’m also not religious, but I think the bible is a great storybook. I know someone who studied religion in school, but is atheist. They only studied out of interest.
Yeah, it’s pretty fascinating.
I found these really interesting. Thanks for sharing! And Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Interesting iconic pictures:)
Merry Christmas, my dear 💖 have a sweet day and many such days ahead!
Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
My pleasure 💖😘⛄️🎄
Beautiful pictures! Merry Christmas, Ashley –
Thank you1 Merry Christmas!
Just lovely. I went to Europe 30 years ago now and this reminds me of the beauty in the old buildings and churches. Thank you for sharing.
The density of beautiful churches and historical buildings in Europe is truly amazing.
Something about the age is calming. The vibe perhaps, the collection of centuries of energy? I don’t find it the same here in BC where “old” is if it gets close to one hundred.
Yeah, it’s definitely a different feel.